It was a case of love at first sight when designer Kate Bond laid eyes on this Art Deco manor in Woollahra, in Sydney’s eastern suburbs.
“My husband and I love character homes,” Bond tells marie claire. “When we saw this one, we weren’t actually looking [to buy]. But we instantly adored the big bougainvillea out the front and the European-style charm.”
After a few alterations – including a fresh slick of paint, the opening up of the living room, and a new kitchen that was more aligned with the tradition of the home – Bond fell even more in love with the residence, which she shares with her husband, Banjo, and sons, Artie and Walter.
It’s not the first time Bond had mastered the art of crafting something beautiful. In 2021, she launched her opulent lounge and nightwear brand, Bond Street, renowned for its versatile tailored silk pyjamas.
“My decorating style is quite English and feminine,” she explains. “I certainly don’t shy away from anything pretty. I’m very drawn to colour, frills and patterns.”
Illustrating this is Bond’s “princess powder room”, as she calls it, adorned with a lively carmine-hued botanical print wallpaper. “I don’t know how I got that past my husband,” she says, laughing. While infusing her passion for traditional homes and European design into every corner, Bond enlisted the expertise of Sydney-based interior architect Phoebe Nicol to reimagine her formal dining room. Here, a lavish vintage chandelier from the antique store Parterre in Woollahra serves as a captivating centrepiece, embodying the flair of its bygone era.
“When our first child was in the pram, we would stroll down Queen Street every morning to get coffee and we would walk past this chandelier,” recalls Bond. “It was in the window just staring at me. It’s so incredible. I had to get it.”
We make our way to the impressive chairs surrounding the table. “These are original 19th-century French dining chairs I bought at an auction and they were an absolute bargain,” she says. “Phoebe reupholstered them and they work so well in this room.”
While the residence exudes grandeur, Bond emphasises that it still serves as a functional family home. “The updates we’ve implemented since moving in have truly transformed it into a real family home,” she asserts. “We expanded the kitchen to have a clear view of the kids
in the living area. The backyard, once just concrete, now features lush grass, allowing the kids to freely play in and out, and it is visible from the kitchen while I’m preparing dinner. We’ve really maximised the use of every inch of space.”
Where do you like to shop for your interiors?
I love the The Vault Sydney, Tamsin Johnson Showroom [in Paddington], Maison et Jardin in Double Bay – basically anywhere that sells antiques or French and European pieces.
What is your at-home uniform?
One of my Bond Street sets. The Birds of Paradise pattern was actually inspired by the wallpaper in the powder room.
Do you have a signature scent?
My favourite scent is English Pear & Freesia from Jo Malone. I have that all through the house, from candles to hand wash.
What’s your at-home playlist?
We play a lot of Taylor Swift, if I’m totally honest.
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